CHARLOTTE Church has been unveiled as a role model for younger mothers, offering advice on why “breast is best” for babies.

The singer and television presenter, who breastfed her daughter Ruby for six months, also revealed the problems she overcame while breastfeeding as she spearheaded a new campaign.

It is hoped that other young mums will be inspired by Charlotte’s experience and breastfeed their babies.

Only four out of 10 young mothers – those under 20 – breastfeed, compared with three quarters of mums in their 30s.

Charlotte, speaking at the launch of the Welsh Assembly Government campaign yesterday, said: “I wanted to breastfeed because I wanted to do my best for my baby.

“Giving birth was much more scary – after you have given birth, breastfeeding is a walk in the park.

“It just felt like the completely natural and right thing to do. It is such a bonding experience with your baby.”

Charlotte, who starts filming for the third series of her Channel 4 show shortly, said she mainly breastfed at home, but there were occasions when she fed Ruby in restaurants and in shops.

The 22-year-old said that her rugby-playing partner Gavin Henson was also keen for his first daughter to be breastfed.

And she added: “As soon as I started breastfeeding I could definitely feel everything getting back into shape much quicker.”

Although she chose to breastfeed for the first six months of Ruby’s life, it was not all problem free – Charlotte revealed that she had developed a painful breast infection while feeding.

But she said: “We got through it. There are trials and tribulations but in general it is so much easier than formula feeding.”

And giving advice to young mums Charlotte, who was breastfed as a baby by her mother Maria, said: “You just have to persevere with it – I’m sure most mums take to it like a duck to water but for some it is a skill that has to be learned.

“There are some people who cannot do it but for those mums who can but don’t, it’s just shocking considering the benefits for mum and baby.”

Sue Sky, breastfeeding coordinator for Wales, said: “Charlotte is a fantastic example of a young mother deciding that breast is really best and we hope that she will serve as a role model for her many thousands of female fans.”